Dean Randazzo of Ventnor will share his story of surfing success and cancer recovery at the Lecture For A Cause Thursday, Dec. 27 at Atlantic City Country Club.

NORTHFIELD – Dean Randazzo is typically a man of little words. New Jersey’s most successful professional surfer has always expressed himself on the water, riding the biggest waves in the world. But, he has a story to tell.

Randazzo will share his story of becoming a professional surfer, battling cancer and his recovery at the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation Lecture For A Cause 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27 at Atlantic City Country Club.

Randazzo will share tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the value of a positive attitude and the importance of early cancer screenings.

Born in Atlantic City, Randazzo grew up in Margate and Somers Point. As an amateur surfer in 1989, he represented Mainland Regional High School at a National Scholastic Surfing Association competition in California. He turned pro the following year. In 1996, he qualified for the ASP World Championship Tour, becoming the first New Jersey competitor to do so.

At the height of his career in 2001, Randazzo was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Randazzo lost some sponsors, but a groundswell of support energized his recovery and his next mission – the Dean Randazzo Cancer Foundation.

Randazzo received multiple bone marrow transplants from his brother Joe to help him battle through four rounds of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and climb back up the ranks of competitive surfing. His return to Lower Trestles in San Clemente, California in April 2002 earned him third place, after placing second the previous year before his diagnosis. He won the Garden State Grudge Match in 2002 and 2007; and in 2004, Randazzo earned MVP at the X Games and won the Red Bull Icebreak.

He has represented the United States in the International Surfing Association’s World Masters Championships and is a member of the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame.

The event is presented by  Morris Antebi Pain Specialist. Admission is free. Guests will enjoy light appetizers and a cash bar.


Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

Award winning journalist covering news, events and people of Atlantic County for more than 20 years.